Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

explorerx4

Carvana does seem to have trouble with titles.
I never figured out what happened with my Lincoln when I sold it to them.
I see plenty of those last gen Rangers around here in good shape.

ab348

explorerx4 said:

Carvana does seem to have trouble with titles.
I never figured out what happened with my Lincoln when I sold it to them.
I see plenty of those last gen Rangers around here in good shape.

Up here in the salt belt they all seemed to have their rear frames rust out pretty quickly. These days that section would need a thorough inspection.

oldfarmer50

nyccarguy said:

As my 16 year old is progressing further towards becoming a licensed driver (He's still got a long way to go) I'm very unsure about what to do for him as far as a car goes. Option #1 is to buy my Father-In-Law's 2016 or 2017 Outback. It depends on what my In Laws want for it. Option #2 is to spend $10ish K on a used car like THIS 2012 Toyota RAV4. Option #3 might be to lease him something. Stalking a few LH brokers' threads, I've noticed that even some ok-ish lease deals will end up costing just a little bit more over the course of 3 years. A new Crosstrek Premium for 36/10K comes out to $399/month sign & drive including tax (just using this as an example) or $14,262 over 3 years.

I know, I know, the debate as old as time itself. A $10K used car is going to NEED some sort of repair (even a Toyota) at some point while the new Crosstrek is only going to need basic maintenance.

I hate to be pessimistic but what happens to the lease if your kids totals it? My kids used my old hoopties for the first few years. My older son got his grandfather’s Buick and drove it for 10 years. The younger finally bought an old K car with no floors from a junk yard for $300. Both of them put lots of dents and scrapes in their cars which is why I’m pessimistic.

andres3

stickguy said:

@andres3 said:

As a younger child in the family I resent this advice!!!! LOL. You get tired of hand-me-downs. " alt="" height="20" />

I was last and the only boy. I just got nothing.

2 of the 3 of use had cars in HS. Both purchased with our own money for a combined ~ $500. 2 very beat up chevies.

Children paying for their own cars is equitable.

Child 1 getting new car, Child 2 getting 3 year old car, and Child 3 getting 6 year old car isn't equitable to Child #2 and Child #3

henryn

andres3 said:

stickguy said:

@andres3 said:

As a younger child in the family I resent this advice!!!! LOL. You get tired of hand-me-downs. " alt="" height="20" />

I was last and the only boy. I just got nothing.

2 of the 3 of use had cars in HS. Both purchased with our own money for a combined ~ $500. 2 very beat up chevies.

Children paying for their own cars is equitable.

Child 1 getting new car, Child 2 getting 3 year old car, and Child 3 getting 6 year old car isn't equitable to Child #2 and Child #3

You sound like you expect life to be fair. What a quaint idea!

nyccarguy

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

As my 16 year old is progressing further towards becoming a licensed driver (He's still got a long way to go) I'm very unsure about what to do for him as far as a car goes. Option #1 is to buy my Father-In-Law's 2016 or 2017 Outback. It depends on what my In Laws want for it. Option #2 is to spend $10ish K on a used car like THIS 2012 Toyota RAV4. Option #3 might be to lease him something. Stalking a few LH brokers' threads, I've noticed that even some ok-ish lease deals will end up costing just a little bit more over the course of 3 years. A new Crosstrek Premium for 36/10K comes out to $399/month sign & drive including tax (just using this as an example) or $14,262 over 3 years.

I know, I know, the debate as old as time itself. A $10K used car is going to NEED some sort of repair (even a Toyota) at some point while the new Crosstrek is only going to need basic maintenance.

I got a nice E36 coming next week. Only 45k'ish miles. Dead nuts reliable and plentiful parts supply. Won't do better for $10k, I'm certain.

I would be honored to patronize your fledgling used car business.

Have you guys watched S3 of The Mandolorian? WOW!

28firefighter

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

As my 16 year old is progressing further towards becoming a licensed driver (He's still got a long way to go) I'm very unsure about what to do for him as far as a car goes. Option #1 is to buy my Father-In-Law's 2016 or 2017 Outback. It depends on what my In Laws want for it. Option #2 is to spend $10ish K on a used car like THIS 2012 Toyota RAV4. Option #3 might be to lease him something. Stalking a few LH brokers' threads, I've noticed that even some ok-ish lease deals will end up costing just a little bit more over the course of 3 years. A new Crosstrek Premium for 36/10K comes out to $399/month sign & drive including tax (just using this as an example) or $14,262 over 3 years.

I know, I know, the debate as old as time itself. A $10K used car is going to NEED some sort of repair (even a Toyota) at some point while the new Crosstrek is only going to need basic maintenance.

I got a nice E36 coming next week. Only 45k'ish miles. Dead nuts reliable and plentiful parts supply. Won't do better for $10k, I'm certain.

Not a terrible idea at all - or maybe one of the Pajero Minis?

au1994

andres3 said:

I wonder if a company like Mitsubishi ever did a buy this car, get a free TV and stereo promotion from products under the company umbrella.

No but back in the late ‘90’s or early 2000’s they did a no payments for 90 days deal that dang near killed them.

qbrozen

28firefighter said:

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

As my 16 year old is progressing further towards becoming a licensed driver (He's still got a long way to go) I'm very unsure about what to do for him as far as a car goes. Option #1 is to buy my Father-In-Law's 2016 or 2017 Outback. It depends on what my In Laws want for it. Option #2 is to spend $10ish K on a used car like THIS 2012 Toyota RAV4. Option #3 might be to lease him something. Stalking a few LH brokers' threads, I've noticed that even some ok-ish lease deals will end up costing just a little bit more over the course of 3 years. A new Crosstrek Premium for 36/10K comes out to $399/month sign & drive including tax (just using this as an example) or $14,262 over 3 years.

I know, I know, the debate as old as time itself. A $10K used car is going to NEED some sort of repair (even a Toyota) at some point while the new Crosstrek is only going to need basic maintenance.

I got a nice E36 coming next week. Only 45k'ish miles. Dead nuts reliable and plentiful parts supply. Won't do better for $10k, I'm certain.

Not a terrible idea at all - or maybe one of the Pajero Minis?

Only reason I don't suggest those is RHD. I'm not sure that's a good idea for a new driver.

breld

nyccarguy said:

qbrozen said:

nyccarguy said:

As my 16 year old is progressing further towards becoming a licensed driver (He's still got a long way to go) I'm very unsure about what to do for him as far as a car goes. Option #1 is to buy my Father-In-Law's 2016 or 2017 Outback. It depends on what my In Laws want for it. Option #2 is to spend $10ish K on a used car like THIS 2012 Toyota RAV4. Option #3 might be to lease him something. Stalking a few LH brokers' threads, I've noticed that even some ok-ish lease deals will end up costing just a little bit more over the course of 3 years. A new Crosstrek Premium for 36/10K comes out to $399/month sign & drive including tax (just using this as an example) or $14,262 over 3 years.

I know, I know, the debate as old as time itself. A $10K used car is going to NEED some sort of repair (even a Toyota) at some point while the new Crosstrek is only going to need basic maintenance.

I got a nice E36 coming next week. Only 45k'ish miles. Dead nuts reliable and plentiful parts supply. Won't do better for $10k, I'm certain.

I would be honored to patronize your fledgling used car business.

Have you guys watched S3 of The Mandolorian? WOW!

We actually haven't started season 3 yet...we like to "save up" episodes so we can do a mini-binge, but it can be hard to avoid spoilers. You've got me excited to watch it though!

As for kids cars, we passed down my ex's MDX w/over 100k miles to my older son 4 years ago. It has served him and his younger brother well, and now has 150k miles. It's been through a lot too, including an incident involving ice and a light pole that almost totaled it. I'll say having something like that for young drivers was a good choice.

stickguy

What’s the details on the E36? Doors, pedal count, roof? Oh and what side the steering wheel is on!

xwesx

stickguy said:

I was last and the only boy. I just got nothing.

2 of the 3 of use had cars in HS. Both purchased with our own money for a combined ~ $500. 2 very beat up chevies.

So much agreed! There's not a requirement to drive the family hand-me-down (or "spare car," as I prefer to call it), but they certainly can if they want to save some money!

qbrozen

stickguy said:

What’s the details on the E36? Doors, pedal count, roof? Oh and what side the steering wheel is on!

LHD, 4 doors, 2 pedals, maroon, slicktop. If it was a manual, I'd likely keep it for myself.

I already have the release papers from customs, but I'm not sure how since, according to the ship company's website, it hasn't even landed in Baltimore yet.

Would make a great first car, or maybe an addition to someone's BMW collection. haha. I think I posted these before, but here goes anyway.

Michaell

Hard to believe it's been 20 years since I went through these teenage driver issues.

I still remember my insurance agent recommending a Saturn sedan for the lowest insurance costs. We got one, eventually...

Tried the used car trick with the stepson. 4 year old Geo Tracker, owned by a retired GM executive who moved to Colorado. Nice vehicle, lasted 5 weeks until it got totaled. After that, he borrowed from mom and dad for a while.

qbrozen

Oh yeah. Speaking of selling cars. It has been something like 100+ days since the C&B fiasco, so I reached out to say "hey, time to pay me." I get an email to sign some paperwork to pay me ... $112.50. Hmmm... that doesn't seem right. Double checked and, sure enough, they SHOULD have collected nearly $400 from the first buyer, and pay me about $191. So I reached out again. Here is the response.

I actually set you up for the higher pay out from the two buyers.

Unfortunately, Nathan (the original buyer) was able to dispute and receive half of his fee back, leaving only $191.25 to split -- $95.63 to you.

The underbidder did not dispute, so I elected to split their $225 fee with you so that you received more.

Geesh!! Bad enough to back out but then to fight the deposit? Some people... just disgusting. I'd argue with them they should pay me half of both, but whatever. Not worth more of my time.

BTW, BaT is supposedly scheduling the Pajero. Could be a few weeks out, though, they said.

stickguy

nice looking BMW. but looks way too clean for a 16 YO!

if it had a sliding roof and a clutch, I might not mind having it! Though losing two doors would improve it.

qbrozen

I like my son's Astra so much that I'm looking to bid on another. This one is a wagon, but it is RHD. I probably should just let it go. Not sure who would want to buy it. lol. If it was LHD, I think it would be a different story.

kyfdx

Pretty basic E36, but at least it's a 325i, and not a 318i.

Right hand drive with a stick, and it will fly off the lot!

qbrozen

Yeah, being the 2.5 is the only reason I bought it. And lack of features keeps the weight down. Will be a fantastic handler.

stickguy

Do a manual swap!

28firefighter

Good call on the Pajero Minis being RHD - forgot. That is entirely too confusing for a new driver.

explorerx4

One of my kids is looking at getting a new vehicle.
I'm trying to provide guidance but not be a helicopter parent.

andres3

qbrozen said:

Oh yeah. Speaking of selling cars. It has been something like 100+ days since the C&B fiasco, so I reached out to say "hey, time to pay me." I get an email to sign some paperwork to pay me ... $112.50. Hmmm... that doesn't seem right. Double checked and, sure enough, they SHOULD have collected nearly $400 from the first buyer, and pay me about $191. So I reached out again. Here is the response.

I actually set you up for the higher pay out from the two buyers.

Unfortunately, Nathan (the original buyer) was able to dispute and receive half of his fee back, leaving only $191.25 to split -- $95.63 to you.

The underbidder did not dispute, so I elected to split their $225 fee with you so that you received more.

Geesh!! Bad enough to back out but then to fight the deposit? Some people... just disgusting. I'd argue with them they should pay me half of both, but whatever. Not worth more of my time.

BTW, BaT is supposedly scheduling the Pajero. Could be a few weeks out, though, they said.

Seems shameful. How do you dispute the indisputable?

Even I haven't won a max speed law case with the CHP.

andres3

explorerx4 said:

One of my kids is looking at getting a new vehicle.
I'm trying to provide guidance but not be a helicopter parent.

Dodge Demon?

roadburner

laurasdada said:

My watches charge by simply wearing them. Of course, all they do is tell the time and date (and, some , chronograph).
Now, get off my lawn!

(Full disclosure, I have two Apple watches; one died as the back of the case mysteriously shattered. A shame, it was a beauty)

Smart watches don't interest me.

Michaell

explorerx4 said:

One of my kids is looking at getting a new vehicle.
I'm trying to provide guidance but not be a helicopter parent.

I'd imagine you'd jump in quickly if they looked at a non-Ford product....

laurasdada

Smart watches don't interest me.

Not so much me, either. But one was gifted to me, the other I won in a contest (the newer, nicer one that died a premature, cause unknown, death). So, if it's free, it's for me!

Sandman6472

With their new Subaru, my son reached out to me. We try to not intrude in any of our kids lives as it's just better that way. We let them come to us if they need to. He knows I love cars so he came to me with all sorts of questions & things to check out on my computer. This was his first new car & first buying experience as their trade was his wife's vehicle. Helped him all I could from 1800 miles away & seems like they did o k in this crazy market.

jmonroe1

henryn said:

explorerx4 said:

You can't get a heated steering wheel on any 2023 F150.

Surprisingly, my '23 Silverado has a heated steering wheel. That won't be needed very often in this part of the world.

————————————————
You shouldn’t have any problem renting out the heated steering wheel to folks living in the colder parts of the country. I hope you got the wireless option that can provide this.

jmonroe

Sandman6472

Was at the Nissan dealer in Ft. Pierce Florida today dropping off vehicles they bought from Enterprise. As we waited, went inside to see what they had. I was in shock at their add on prices. The 2023 Kicks SV had an ADM. charge of $9995, their Maxima had an ADM. charge of $13,995 and their fancy Frontier had an ADM. price of $17,995. I almost fell out from laughing so hard! Are these folks not in the business of selling cars? Seriously, who in their right mind would pay that awful fee? All I know is I'd disregard all those add-on charges they put on that second piece of paper next to the widow sticker. And especially on something like a Nissan Kicks, I'd start at a few hundred under MSRP now as going up from invoice probably won't fly in this new age of car buying. But to be honest, on a vehicle like the Kicks, going a few hundred over invoice might just be a great place to start. Honestly don't think they sell to many of them in the first place even though for me, the size is perfect. But hate their CVT tranny's even though they have improved over their earlier units.
Was a busy day today. Started as we had to drive up to West Palm Beach to pick up some sold vehicles that were going to a dealer near the Miami airport. Then, we picked up more vehicles in Miami that were going to Ft. Pierce & Vero Beach. Started at around 8 am and didn't get back to our office till 6:40 as it was already dark. Both yesterday & today were long days so glad I've got the next couple off. I've earned them!

explorerx4

@michaell,
It's up to them what they buy, they are adults.
Just trying to help them out.

ab348

Hyundai revealed their new Kona electric.

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/new-hyundai-kona-electric-debuts-bolder-design-longer-range/?ftag=CAD13782fc

At almost 172" long, it may barely fit in Sandy's garage.

corvette

I first got a smart watch because my employer's health insurance provided a wellness incentives for activities, including walking. The Amazon gift cards more than paid for the cost of the watch. We no longer have that program, but I like the step tracking. I have a cheap Fitbit and will probably replace it with another Fitbit when it gives out. I don't like the idea of having another device that requires a daily recharge, as is the case with the Apple Watch.

My nice (mechanical) watch is in my lockbox at the bank.

tjc78

@ab348 said:
Hyundai revealed their new Kona electric.

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/new-hyundai-kona-electric-debuts-bolder-design-longer-range/?ftag=CAD13782fc

At almost 172" long, it may barely fit in Sandy's garage.

The time has come for fake grills or something. Why does everything have to be ugly today?

Interior looks pretty nice at least

tjc78

It literally looks like it’s wearing a mask.

tjc78

@corvette said:
I first got a smart watch because my employer's health insurance provided a wellness incentives for activities, including walking. The Amazon gift cards more than paid for the cost of the watch. We no longer have that program, but I like the step tracking. I have a cheap Fitbit and will probably replace it with another Fitbit when it gives out. I don't like the idea of having another device that requires a daily recharge, as is the case with the Apple Watch.

My nice (mechanical) watch is in my lockbox at the bank.

I’m on my second Apple Watch. I enjoy having it, replying to a quick text etc. sad thing is all my nice watches are now dead and I never wear them

nyccarguy

tjc78 said:

It literally looks like it’s wearing a mask.

I like front grills and exhaust pipes. To me they are major styling cues that give cars a personality!

oldfarmer50

corvette said:

I first got a smart watch because my employer's health insurance provided a wellness incentives for activities, including walking. The Amazon gift cards more than paid for the cost of the watch. We no longer have that program, but I like the step tracking. I have a cheap Fitbit and will probably replace it with another Fitbit when it gives out. I don't like the idea of having another device that requires a daily recharge, as is the case with the Apple Watch.

My nice (mechanical) watch is in my lockbox at the bank.

My company has a similar wellness program except instead of gym membership they assign you to run around the airport parking garage jumping in and out of cars for 12 hours. 😫

Sandman6472

Had a Fitbit smartwatch and mine had to be charged just like my Apple one. But, got it wet in the shower & it was toast. Got the Apple SE watch and hardly ever wear it. It doesn't have the option of always displaying the current time which I wish it had. Hate having to shake my arm for the display to appear. Went back to my trust Times Ironman watches, which I have a few. Always need to have at least one spare as my wife likes them also, won't wear the smaller version made for women, so comes to me for one once her current one stops working.

Sandman6472

Definitely think the new 2024 Kona will fit on my side of the garage. If the last generation Hyundai Tucson fit, the new Kona should be no problem. Getting a bit more excited every time I see a new photo of it which is a good sign for me that there's a very good chance I will get one. Just wish I could wait a year as not a big fan of a first year model even though I've done it before. The 2006 Honda Civic and my current VW Golf were both first year models. Prefer the fourth year as they usually refresh the front and read fascia's and tweak a few other things. But, this is the first vehicle that really peaks my interest since I bought the Golf.

tjc78

@Sandman6472 said:
Had a Fitbit smartwatch and mine had to be charged just like my Apple one. But, got it wet in the shower & it was toast. Got the Apple SE watch and hardly ever wear it. It doesn't have the option of always displaying the current time which I wish it had. Hate having to shake my arm for the display to appear. Went back to my trust Times Ironman watches, which I have a few. Always need to have at least one spare as my wife likes them also, won't wear the smaller version made for women, so comes to me for one once her current one stops working.

The current version of the Apple Watch has an always on display like the IPhone 14

breld

Sandy - the gas version of the Kona is supposed to be out this summer, so unless you want the electric version, you may not have to wait all that long.

I have to admit...I like the looks of the Kona. Interesting that they are bringing over a lot of the interior design elements from the Ioniq5. I thought Hyundai may keep them more distinct.

stickguy

I like the Kona too. I liked the current version so not a surprise. I drove one (used) before I got the Maverick when I was deciding what to do and it was fun to drive and surprisingly roomy and comfortable. The wife even seemed fine with it.

New interior/dash looks quite upscale for the class and price of car.

tjc78

There is a broker on LH offering 20% off C40 Recharge.

Hmm….. wife said she likes it.

62ish MSRP 640/640 OOP 24/7.5

Wonder if there is equity in the XC90, probably not

jmonroe1

roadburner said:

laurasdada said:

My watches charge by simply wearing them. Of course, all they do is tell the time and date (and, some , chronograph).
Now, get off my lawn!

(Full disclosure, I have two Apple watches; one died as the back of the case mysteriously shattered. A shame, it was a beauty)

Smart watches don't interest me.

————————————————
Why? Do you feel threatened?

jmonroe

Sandman6472

Yes, the upscale look of the whole vehicle has impressed me, so much, that I can see owning one in the future. But again, right now, the Golf has been working as it should for me getting to work & errands on my n/s day. So can see me waiting a year or a bit more before I do anything. It'll also give me enough time to sock the cash away so I won't need to finance or maybe just finance a small portion. As in life, timing becomes a very important variable.

As to my current Apple SE watch, I understand that only the newer model has the feature I really like. Have had mine since early 2021, so it's a bit dated but since I don't really care for it, no way I'd shell out more for the current model. Best to save an available cash for my next vehicle.

nyccarguy

tjc78 said:

There is a broker on LH offering 20% off C40 Recharge.

Hmm….. wife said she likes it.

62ish MSRP 640/640 OOP 24/7.5

Wonder if there is equity in the XC90, probably not

DEFINITELY NOT

au1994

tjc78 said:

There is a broker on LH offering 20% off C40 Recharge.

Hmm….. wife said she likes it.

62ish MSRP 640/640 OOP 24/7.5

Wonder if there is equity in the XC90, probably not

Doubt it unfortunately

breld

tjc78 said:

There is a broker on LH offering 20% off C40 Recharge.

Hmm….. wife said she likes it.

62ish MSRP 640/640 OOP 24/7.5

Wonder if there is equity in the XC90, probably not

I can offer you a better deal on a short-term Polestar 2 lease.

ab348

Everybody's a car dealer in here lately.